Srinagar: In keeping with the need of performing surgeries using minimal access techniques the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir initiated a process of setting up a Minimal Access Surgical (MAS) Unit at District Level Hospitals by establishing a dedicated MAS unit at JLNM Hospital, Rainawari in June this year.
In a statement, DHSK said the Laparoscopic procedures have been a routine in JLNM Hospital along with various other peripheral District Hospitals in past, however the Directorate has come up with a dedicated MAS unit at JLNM Hospital.
“Minimal Access Surgery is a Division of General Surgery which is dedicated in performing surgical procedures using minimal access procedures whenever possible. As such, the division has become a leader in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgeries in the full range of sub-specialties,” reads the statement.
Adding the surgeons routinely employ minimal access techniques in most of abdominal disorders including hernias and conditions of the stomach, intestines, gallbladder and spleen.
The MAS unit at JLNM which under the supervision of Medical Superintendent, JLNM Hospital, Dr Nazir Shahdad is headed by Dr Hakeem Vaqar and assisted by Dr Akhtar Ganai.
DHSK said the unit has performed 480 Minimal Access Surgeries till date since its inception which include more than 393 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies, 40 Laparoscopic Hernia Repair (Both Ventral & Groin), 25 Laparoscopic Appendectomies, 5 Minimally Invasive Procedure for Hemorrhoid (MIPH) besides cases of Laparoscopic Hydatid Liver Excision, Laparoscopic Management of Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancies, and Diagnostic Laparoscopy for Chronic Abdominal Pain and other surgical cases.
Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Saleem ur Rehman while appreciating the efforts of MS of JLNM Hospital and the Operative Team has directed the hospital administration to further upgrade the MAS unit of the hospital so as to provide better and quality healthcare to the patients.
480 Minimal Access Surgeries performed in JLNM hospital
